by Mark Genender, board chairman, named interim CEO as company begins search for new executive
DORAVILLE, Ga. — Serta Simmons Bedding LLC announced today that board chairman Mark Genender has been named interim chief executive officer, replacing Charlie Eitel, who stepped down as chief executive officer Monday.
The company said the board has initiated a search process to identify and review candidates for the next CEO.
Eitel has been in the role for about four months, taking the top position shortly after the company exited bankruptcy.
“It has been a privilege to join SSB and set the course for the company’s future,” Eitel said. “After discussions with the board, I have decided to step down as CEO. I know that I am leaving the company in capable hands.”
Genender said that the company is grateful Eitel “joined SSB at an important time. He strengthened our retail relationships and put leaders in place to accelerate our turnaround.”
“As I step into the interim CEO role, I am committed to working closely with the management team to ensure a smooth transition as we continue to execute on our turnaround strategy, Genender said. “Looking ahead, SSB remains focused on continuing to innovate, investing in — and reinvigorating — our powerful brands, enhancing our retail partnerships and operating a high-performing supply chain that delivers industry-leading product quality and customer service.”
Genender, who also is a managing partner at Bristol Growth Capital LLC, has been SSB’s executive chairman since June. He also has previously been a managing director and consultant for Elridge Inds. and before that was senior managing director of Guggenheim Partners and also had been a partner and portfolio manager at Red Mountain Capital Partners.
He also was previously managing director at The Carlyle Group and managing director of Star Avenue Capital.
The company said that Genender will lead an experienced leadership team, including:
- Dominick Azevedo, chief sales officer
- Rob Burch, chief operations 0fficer
- Kristen McGuffey, chief legal officer
- Esther Ni, chief human resources officer
- Tim Oakhill, chief marketing 0fficer
- Lisa Wyn, interim chief financial officer
